Bridal showers and hen parties are an experience that a bride – and her guests – will remember forever, so it’s understandable for you to want to make this night special and unforgettable.
But it's not always as easy as that. Co-ordinating different friendship groups, making spreadsheets to cover costs and picking the PERFECT activity, location and venue are just some of the tasks that lie before you.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up some of the best bridal shower and hen party ideas to make the night memorable. From a music-filled pool party to a relaxing spa day, there’s something to accommodate every bride to be. Here are a few ideas.
A pool party
With summer approaching, a pool party inspired hen party could offer endless delights. Why not lounge by the pool with your favourite flamingo floaty, or splash in the deep end? Hosting a pool party-themed event has its many benefits, and add a few cocktails here and there to keep the bride and guests entertained.
A live music party
Live music is a real crowd-pleaser, which is exactly what you're looking for when planning activities for a big group of people. If you're in London, few places beat The Piano Works for live music and pure vibes that'll keep everyone entertained long enough to give you a breather from all that planning. They also mostly play requests, meaning you can make sure your bride's favourite song is on that set list to ensure 100% satisfaction.
A brunch party
Would the bride prefer a more relaxed day surrounded by her closest pals and a good cake? Then a relaxing brunch served with an afternoon slice would prove effective. Plan the perfect brunch menu with the bride’s favourite assortments, and perhaps drinks served by a private caterer, to create an easy running day.
A pizza-making party
There's very little that beats a great pizza, but when you've made said pizza yourself it somehow tastes even sweeter. With a choice of make-your-own kits - on a regular or gluten free base - Pizza Pilgrims have created the most fun, convenient, delicious alternative to a meal out - and anything that avoids that awkward ‘add up what you had… + some for the bride's’ moment at the end of dinner is a tick in our book. Oh, and it definitely counts as an ‘activity’ as well as a ‘meal’ - a double win for any hen-party-planner.
A spa day party
Naturally, we all love to be pampered – so why not use the bridal shower as an opportunity to lay and relax whilst you get a massage, or sit back and lavish in the sauna? The treatment will leave everyone content and in bliss, with personalised robes making a nice addition to the pampering day.
From oval shapes to chunky gold silhouettes.
A ‘cheeky’ performance party
If your bride is looking for some light-hearted fun, there are few more iconic options for a hen party than Magic Mike Live. The brainchild of Channing Tatum (and every now and then he attends the show himself, so that'd see you win bridesmaid-of-the-year for sure), it's a 90-minute showcase featuring some of the world's most talented male dancers performing super sexy routines in front of - and all around - you. Not to mention at-seat drinks service available throughout the show… That's got to be better than pre-drinks in the Airbnb, surely?
A cocktail-themed party
The perfect cocktail can bring much happiness, so you could try giving the bride a cocktail-themed day. Taste an array of the their favourite cocktails and more with a personalised bartender catering to your every need and whim. Top it off with their favourite chef to supply the guests with some much-needed finger foods and course meals.
A ‘Bake Off’ party
Whether your bride's a keen baker or a total novice, getting the squad together to take part in a gentle bit of competitive cake-making is a perfect way to break the ice amongst different friendship groups. You could, of course, host this yourselves, but if buying vanilla essence and 12 baking tins sounds like too much faff (on top of everything else!) The Big Bakes does it all for you. With three UK locations - in Haggerston, Tooting and Birmingham - comprising of marquees with 12 baking stations and all the equipment and ingredients (already weighed-out - hallelujah) needed to let your inner creative baker flourish, all you need to do is turn up. Did we mention the bar complete with bespoke cake-inspired cocktails at the Haggerston venue?
Art-themed party
We all love to stand and admire art, but only a few of us are blessed with the knack for creating artwork. If the world of art fascinates the bride, or even better yet she considers herself an artist, then why not experiment with an artsy-themed bridal shower? Get some canvases and paintable vases, sit down and relax with your friends whilst you create innovative works of art.
Urban axe throwing party
This one is definitely a bit left of field – but we're strong advocates of going off the beaten path and giving the bride the hen party she dreams of, even if it doesn't fit the stereotype.
Imagine this: competing in a hen party tournament of slinging axes to an empowering soundtrack, channelling all that energy into a very satisfying activity. Sounds like an absolute laugh riot, we think.
Perfume making party
Is your bride in two minds about what her signature scent will be on the big day? Why not club together during her bridal shower and make your own for her? And if you want to make a competition – or drinking game – out of it, the person who makes the most beautiful scent gets free drinks!
Hot tub boat party
This one is a wild one. In London and Essex, it's possible to take a boat ride for a hen do – but it's not your average boat ride. You'll be watching the sights go by riverside from a hot tub. Some of these parties are BYOB, some are catered, so make sure you don't get caught out.
Whatever you choose, above all, it’s very important when coming up with hen party ideas to make sure that the night is orientated around the pleasures of the bride and that combined with a few drinks surrounded by her best friends is sure to make the night unforgettable.
